Method and device for identifying an individual container

ABSTRACT

A flexible composite band to identify an individual drinking container with at least two layers of material and method of manufacture and use are disclosed. The first layer is a flexible layer generally constructed from elastic. The second layer is a decorative layer that can be customized to suite one&#39;s tastes and is attached directly to the elastic layer. Once this composite flexible identification band is formed it can be placed around drinking containers of various sizes and shapes and allow for easy identification of a drinking container due to the unique decorative layer.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an improved identification device for an individual container and a method of manufacturing and using the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a decorated flexible identification band that is placed around an individual container and its method of manufacture and use.

[0003] 2. Prior Art

[0004] Beverage containers such as cups, glasses, cans, or bottles are commonplace at parties, taverns and other social functions. A problem arises when several people are drinking the same beverage at parties in taverns and at other social settings. Usually at a party there are several people present but at the same time only one or two types of beverage containers are available. If the host or hostess only has one or two types of glasses, cups, or other types of containers (such as a situation that occurs when several people are drinking the identical brand of beer or soda directly from the original can or bottle) it is difficult for one to ascertain which particular container is theirs.

[0005] This problem is magnified by the tendency for people to place their beverage on a table or bar at the most convenient location while talking and moving about at a party. When conditions at a party or other social setting become loud and festive with activity, music, and/or dim lighting it becomes even more difficult for an individual to identify their beverage from several similar beverages placed on a table that look identical.

[0006] This confusion as to which drink belongs to whom can cause several notable problems. First, if the particular individual is unsure which drink is theirs they may elect to obtain an entirely new drink while allowing their old partially consumed (and now unidentifiable) drink to go to waste. This causes increased costs for the host or hostess who must purchase additional quantities of beverages and containers and is generally a wasteful practice.

[0007] Alternatively, the individual could choose to attempt to locate their particular drink from the myriad of similar looking drinking containers. This may lead the person to fear that they were in fact drinking from the wrong container and could cause them to be uncomfortable and queasy about their situation. If the person does indeed drink from the wrong container one could be embarrassed when their mistake is discovered. Also, at this point the drink is usually discarded in order to provide the original drinker with a fresh drink. This is due to the health risk that is present as saliva from the original and subsequent drinker would be deposited by the normal drinking process. Thus, the risk of communicable disease is greatly increased by this inadvertent drinking from another's beverage container.

[0008] A more serious problem could arise due to the lack of the ability for an individual to easily identify their particular beverage from others in a crowded setting. It has become a common problem in bars, parties, bowling alleys, sporting events and in other situations for people to intentionally contaminate drinks with drugs without the drinker's consent. One of the most serious drugs that is unknowingly placed in one's drink without their consent is the drug flunitrazepam marketed under the trade name “Rohypnol”. Rohypnol is a powerful sedative which is illegal in the United States and which has gained notoriety in recent years as one of several “date rape” drugs. Victims have had Rohypnol or other similar drugs unknowingly placed in their drink and have become so inebriated by the drug's effect that they were subject to rape and or other forms of sexual assault after unknowingly consuming the drug. Far more serious is the fact that when mixed with alcohol Rohypnol and similar drugs have been shown to have be lethal.

[0009] Due to the increased use of date rape drugs such as Rohypnol and the overall unsanitary effect of drinking from another's drinking container there exists a need in the art for an improved method and device for easily identifying a single drinking container from other similar containers.

[0010] Several prior art devices have been proposed to solve this problem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,799,815 issued to Lang discloses a sleeve member that slides over tab a soda or beer can tab that includes marking indicia to allow one to identify their can from others nearby. However, this device suffers from a drawback as it is only capable of use with drinks in containers with pull tabs such as soda and beer cans. Furthermore, since it is constructed from plastic it can only be manufactured in a factory or commercial environment. Also, this device is so small it is hard to transport as it would appear that a separate carrying case would be needed since it is not desirable to place this device in one's pocket and then to place the device directly on a beverage can pull tab which comes in close contact with one's mouth. Second, since this device is so small it is easy to misplace and would thus have to be replaced frequently.

[0011] Another device that has been proposed is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,976,629 issued to Brixus et al. includes a ring member that is placed over the neck of a bottle that has a separate plate member attached to the ring that serves as a decorative piece for easy identification. However, this device also suffers from a drawback because it only works with certain types of containers, namely bottles with necks. Furthermore, due to the rigid nature of this device it is difficult for one to easily transport it to and from events and a separate carrying container would appear to be needed in order to protect the device when not in use.

[0012] Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,730 issued to Evans discloses an identifying device for beverage containers that is releasably mounted around a beverage container. This device suffers from drawbacks similar to the device disclosed by Brixus et al. It would appear to be difficult to transport to and from a location without a separate container due to its bulky nature. Furthermore, since this device is comprised of at least two moving parts it would therefore be subject to easily breaking if even slightly misused. Lastly, this device is constructed from plastic so it would have to be manufactured in a commercial factory environment and like similar prior art devices could not be customized by the user.

[0013] Therefore, there appears a need in the art for a device to identify a particular beverage container from other similar containers that is easily adaptable to various sizes and types of containers and that would be inexpensive to manufacture. There also appears a need in the art for a device to easily identify drinking containers that would result in an identification system that is easy to carry without the need to provide a separate storage container. Lastly, their appears a need in the art for a method of manufacturing a device for identifying containers that would be simple enough to be accomplished without traditional factory equipment and specialized processes that would be simple and cost effective.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Accordingly, the primary feature of the present invention is to provide a novel device and method for identifying an individual drinking container.

[0015] Another feature of the present invention is to provide a device for identifying an individual container that is easily adaptable to be used with containers of various shapes and sizes.

[0016] A further feature of the present invention is to provide a device for identifying an individual container that is easy to transport and encourages the use of the device due to its fashionable and highly customizable nature.

[0017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a flexible identification band for identifying an individual container that is simplistic in design in order that it can be manufactured without expensive machinery while still being highly customizable to one's individual tastes.

[0018] These and other objects of the present invention are realized in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, described by way of example and not by way of limitation, which provides for a flexible identification band that is utilized to identify an individual drinking container and it's method of manufacture and use.

[0019] In brief summary, the present invention overcomes and substantially alleviates the deficiencies in the prior art by providing a flexible identification band and its use to identify an individual drinking container and the method of assembling the band.

[0020] The novel method of manufacturing and using the band can be summarized in two simple steps. First, a flexible identification band must be assembled and then secondly, the flexible identification band is placed around an individual container. The flexible identification band itself is typically constructed from an elastic layer and a substantially coextensive decorative cloth member placed on top of the elastic layer. The decorative cloth is the element seen by the user of the device and others actually see as the decorative and identifying feature of the band.

[0021] Once manufactured each particular band would contain individualized and distinct indicia that would allow a person to easily identify their beverage from among several others. These bands would be large enough so that users could identify their beverage with the accompanying band placed thereon at a reasonable distance. This would be particularly useful at a bar or other social setting where there would be a fear of drink contamination. One could keep an eye on their drink and easily observe any contamination of the drink while not having to constantly hold the drink in their hands.

[0022] The various decorative indicia possibilities for the bands is limitless. For example, one band could contain a particular color or series of colors. The band could also contain fabrics of differing textures and have a particular design scheme that would allow a person to easily identify their beverage when the band was placed around the container. Additionally, the bands could have hanging ornamentation if so desired or an alpha numeric pattern as well.

[0023] Due to the flexible nature of the bands they are easily transportable. Their simplicity makes the bands very easy to assemble and no specialized equipment is needed. Due to the simplicity of the manufacturing process, one could create the identifying band without the need for specialized machinery and processes in a cost effective manner.

[0024] The second step of this method is the utilization of the now completed flexible identification band. To use the band, a person would simply place it around their particular beverage container. Since the band is flexible it is easily adaptable to soda and beer cans, glass bottles, glasses, plastic cups, mugs, or other types of drinking containers. Once it is placed on the individual container its elastic nature forces the band inward and it tightly surrounds the container. Also, the band may be worn as a bracelet around the user's wrist when not in use.

[0025] This is adventitious in two ways. First, it makes the identification band easy to carry to and from events. Second, due to the myriad of decorative choices for the band, it will be anticipated the band will be seen as a stylistic trendy accessory and thus its use will be encouraged.

[0026] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following more detailed description and drawings in which like elements of the invention are similarly numbered throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the flexible identification band showing the inside and outside layers of material.

[0028]FIG. 2 is a side view of the flexible identification band placed around a soda can.

[0029]FIG. 3 is a side view of the of the flexible identification band placed around a beer bottle.

[0030]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the flexible identification band placed around a transparent glass.

[0031]FIG. 5 is a side view of the flexible identification band placed around an individual's wrist.

[0032]FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the flexible identification band taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Referring to the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the flexible identification band of the present invention is illustrated and generally indicated as 10 in FIGS. 1-6.

[0034] Referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 6 flexible identification band 10 is comprised of at least 2 layers, first elastic layer 2 and decorative layer 4. First elastic layer 2 is in a circular shape and contains both an inner side 6, an outer side 8, and top and bottom edges 3 and 3′. Elastic layer 2 is constructed by obtaining any type of known elastic material that would be suitable in size. Elastic is used in this preferred embodiment of the invention due to its flexible and stretchable nature. However, it should be noted that any flexible material could be used for this first layer and still fall within the scope of the present invention. To be suitable in size, elastic layer 2 must be wide enough to serve as a backing for decorative layer 4 which is placed co-extensively and directly on the outer side 8 of elastic layer 2 as described in greater detail below. Furthermore, elastic layer 2 must not be too wide and interfere with the ability to removably place flexible identification band 10 around an individual container 18. It should also be noted that elastic layer 2 allows flexible identification band 10 to have two states. One is a relaxed state and this occurs when elastic layer 2 is not stretched outwardly. When stretched outwardly by a slight force (that is usually applied by one's hands) elastic layer 2 is in a stretched state. FIG. 1 depicts flexible identification band 10 with elastic layer 2 in a relaxed state while FIGS. 2-5 show elastic layer 2 in a stretched state when used which will be described in greater detail below.

[0035] The second layer of the flexible identification band is decorative layer 4. Decorative layer 4 can be attached to elastic layer 2 by any known means in the art including gluing, stitching or pinning. In the preferred embodiment of the invention decorative layer 4 is sewn onto elastic layer 2 by stitches 12 which are located along top and bottom edges 3 and 3′ of elastic layer 2. To further secure decorative layer 4 to elastic layer 2 a vertical securing strap 14 of the same material as decorative layer 4 is provided. Vertical securing strap 14 is perpendicular to elastic layer 2 and wraps around the outer edge 8 of elastic layer 2 and over the edges 3 and 3′ of the elastic layer before being secured by stitches 12 on the inside edge 6. Vertical securing strap 14 is comprised of two layers which are identical in appearance to the rest of decorative layer 4 in the preferred embodiment. A layer 14A extends over edge 3 and is sewn to a layer 14B which extends over the opposing edge 3′.

[0036]FIGS. 2 and 4 illustrate that decorative layer 4 serves as the main identification source for flexible identification band 10. It is anticipated that several flexible identification bands 10 will be provided to several individuals. Each individual will have an insuring identification band with a different decorative layer making the individual container that their particular flexible identification band is attached to easy to identify from others. By way of example, in FIG. 2, decorative layer 4 consists of decorative indicia 4A, whereas FIG. 4 shows decorative layer 4 consisting of a sequence of letters 4C. Letters 4C are placed on decorative layer 4 which is then attached to elastic layer 2 in the preferred embodiment. These letters could also be attached directly to elastic layer 2 and then form decorative layer 4 in its entirety. In the preferred embodiment, letters 4C could be the individual's particular initials which would allow flexible identification band 10 to be truly customized to the particular individual. Alternatively, numbers could be utilized or any type of alpha-numeric sequence.

[0037] Decorative indicia 4A can consist of any type of design that the individual wishes to display on container 18. For example, decorative indicia 4A could be one or more colors (not shown), a single or plurality of decorative design(s) (not shown). Alternatively, decorative indicia 4A could consist of a fabric with a differing texture (not shown) than that found on elastic layer 2. Also, one could attach two or more layers of material together to form one continuous sheet of material that would serve as decorative layer 4.

[0038]FIG. 3 depicts an alternative embodiment of the present invention where decorative layer 4 is three dimensional in shape and forms an ornament 4B. In this embodiment, ornament 4B is attached to outer side 8 of elastic layer (not shown) 2 by stitches 12. Since ornament 4B does not completely surround outer edge 8 as does decorative indicia 4A and letters 4C only a small number of stitches 12 are needed to secure ornament 4B to elastic layer 2. In FIG. 3, ornament 4B is depicted as a bow, but any type of three dimensional ornament known in the art could be attached to elastic layer 2 such as a piece of crystal or a miniature battery operated clock to display the current time.

[0039] If desired another form of indicia can be added to decorative layer 4. This indicia is typically a novelty piece 7 and is depicted as a miniature American flag in FIG. 3. Novelty piece 7 can be constructed from hard plastic and attached to decorative layer 4 by any conventional means. Due to its small nature, novelty piece 7 can be attached and removed easily from decorative layer 4 and could correspond with a particular season or theme. For example, one may choose to utilize a novelty ornament that resembles an American flag as depicted in FIG. 3 on certain patriotic holidays such as the Fourth of July and then remove the novelty piece after the holiday has passed and use flexible identification band 10 with just the two original layers.

[0040] As can be seen in FIGS. 2-4 flexible identification band 10 can be adapted to removably fit around a drinking container 18 of various sizes and types such as a soda can 18A, bottle 18B, or glass 18C. The adaptability of flexible identification band 10 to removably fit around these various containers is due to the inclusion of elastic layer 2. Flexible identification band 10 when not in use has an inside diameter 16 that is smaller than the diameter of container 18 that it will be attached to when it is in a relaxed state. Therefore, flexible identification band 10 can fit around any size container 18 as long as the diameter of the container is not larger than the size of diameter 16 when flexible identification band 10 is stretched as far as elastic layer 2 will permit in the stretched state.

[0041] Another significant feature of identification band 10 is once it is placed on a container it remains firmly in place and does not fall down or become disengaged from the container. This feature is important because the surface of the typical can or bottle container is wet and slippery.

[0042]FIG. 5 which depicts one way in which the flexible identification band can be stored or transported when not in use. This figure shows flexible identification band 10 attached to an individual's wrist 20 and worn as a bracelet. It is anticipated that when flexible identification band 10 is not placed around container 18 (and thus not in use) that it can be easily transported to and from events by being worn on one's wrist 20. It is further anticipated that decorative layer 4 can be specifically coordinated with the individual's apparel and style of dress. The ability for flexible identification band 10 to be worn as a bracelet is viewed as adventitious as it will be easy to transport to and from events.

[0043] The method of manufacturing flexible identification band 10 will now be explained. The manufacturing process is very simplistic in nature and can generally be completed entirely by hand, however in manufacturing the preferred embodiment a conventional sewing machine can be used.

[0044] To begin constructing flexible identification band 10 one must first obtain elastic layer 2. Elastic layer 2 is generally purchased by obtaining a roll of elastic material and then cutting a strip of elastic that would be the correct size for the present invention. The correct size for the preferred embodiment elastic layer 2 is a section about ¼ to 2 inches wide and about 8 inches long. The two end portions of the strip are then sewn together to form a band member and this line of stitches (not shown) is concealed under vertical supporting strap 14.

[0045] Diameter 16 should be smaller than container 18 when elastic layer 2 is in a relaxed state. This is to ensure that when flexible identification band 10 is placed around container 18 that the elasticity of elastic layer 2 will force flexible band 10 inward to wrap tightly and remain in position around container 18.

[0046] The next step is the attachment of decorative layer 4. As mentioned above, decorative layer 4 can be any type of material and also have affixed thereto a wide variety of decorative indicia 4A, ornaments 4B, or letters 4C. If decorative indicia 4A or letters 4C are being applied to elastic layer 2 the attachment step of these two layers would be completed utilizing any known means of attachment in the art. In the preferred embodiment, stitching 12 is utilized to attach decorative indicia 4A or letters 4C along edges 3 and 3′ of elastic layer 2. Then, vertical securing strap 14 is formed with top and bottom portions 14A and 14B. Portions 14A and 14B are placed up and around edges 3 and 3′ of elastic layer 2 and secured to inner side 6 of elastic layer 2 by stitching 12.

[0047] If the manufacturer wishes to utilize an ornament 4B as decorative layer 4 the assembly process is slightly different. If ornament 4B is fabric it would be stitched to elastic layer 2 by stitches 12. If ornament 4B is an ornamental item such as crystal or a miniature clock it is affixed to elastic layer 2 by known methods such as glue, epoxy, or stitching. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, ornament 4B could be combined with a decorative indicia 4A or letters 4C and be attached to elastic layer 2 by stitches 12.

[0048] Once decorative layer 4 is applied to elastic layer 2 the assembly process is completed. However, if desired, more layers can be added. For example, if the addition of novelty piece 7 is desired it can be attached to decorative layer 4 by any known means such as glue, tape or stitching 12.

[0049] After the addition of decorative layer 4 or novelty piece 7 the preferred embodiment of the flexible band is complete. However, it should be noted that if one desires, multiple layers could be placed around elastic layer 2 and be used for decoration and still fall within the scope and spirit of the present invention. For example, one could add as many layers of decorative material as described and interweave them or connect them in any method and still be within the scope of the present invention which is directed at a flexible identification band comprised of at least 2 or more layers forming a composite band.

[0050] The completed flexible identification band once manufactured could be sold individually or in kits where each flexible identification band 10 had a different and distinctive decorative layer 4. This kit would contain at least two flexible identification bands 10 that each had a unique decorative layer 4.

[0051] The method of using flexible identification band 10 is comprised of two steps. First, flexible identification band 10 is assembled in the manner described above. Second, flexible identification band 10 is removably placed around container 18.

[0052] To attach flexible identification band 10 to container 18 the user simply expands the band by placing elastic layer 2 in a stretched state so that inside diameter 16 is larger than the diameter of container 18. Then, the user places flexible identification band 10 over container 18 and slidably moves flexible band 10 to the desired position wherein the band is firmly retained on container 18.

[0053] Once flexible identification band 10 is placed around container 18 it allows container 18 to be readily identified by its owner from other similar appearing containers. Due to the relatively simplistic assembly process for flexible identification band 10 it is anticipated that the manufacturer of the band could easily customize it to the individual's tastes. Or, due to the many possibilities for decorative layer 4 it is anticipated that if a particular flexible identification band 10 was not custom made for a specific user that one could easily obtain an already completed flexible identification band to match their tastes and style.

[0054] It should be understood from the foregoing that, while particular embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it is not intended that the invention be limited by the specification; instead, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A beverage identifying device capable of being removably affixed to a beverage container comprising a flat, flexible resilient band having a front and back side with a decorative indicia applied to the front side.
 2. The identifying device of claim 1 wherein said flat, flexible resilient band is “¼” to 2″ wide and is designed to fit around a beverage can, bottle or cup.
 3. The identifying device of claim 1 wherein said identifying indicia can be color, texture or ornamentation applied or affixed to said flat, flexible resilient band.
 4. A beverage identifying device capable of being removably affixed to a beverage container comprising a composite elastic band with a front and back side.
 5. The composite elastic band as recited in claim 4 further comprising a first layer of a flexible resilient material and an attached second layer having identifying indicia on its upper surface.
 6. The composite elastic band as recited in claim 5 wherein said flexible resilient material is a band ¼″ to 2″ wide and is designed to fit around a beverage can, bottle or cup.
 7. The composite elastic band as recited in claim 5 wherein said second layer identifying indicia can be selected from the group consisting of colors, textures or ornamentation.
 8. The composite elastic band as recited in claim 5 wherein said first layer and said second layer are co-extensive with each other.
 9. A flexible resilient band in combination with a drinking container comprising; a) a vessel capable of holding a liquid, b) a flexible resilient band member removably affixed to said vessel comprising; a) a flat elastic member with a front and back side and a diameter that is smaller than said vessel when said elastic member is not stretched outwardly, and b) a cloth member having decorative indicia attached to said front side of said elastic member.
 10. The flexible resilient band in combination with a drinking container of claim 9 wherein said decorative indicia consists of at least one or more colors.
 11. The flexible resilient band in combination with a drinking container of claim 9 wherein said decorative indicia consists of a three dimensional object.
 12. A method of identifying an individual container comprising the steps of: a) providing a flat, flexible circular member having a front and back side; b) attaching a decorative layer of material to said front side of said flexible circular member; and c) placing said flat, flexible circular member around said individual container.
 13. An improved individual container identifying kit, said kit comprising a plurality of flat, flexible circular members designed to be removably placed around an individual container, each flat, flexible circular member containing an elastic material and a decorative layer placed directly over and attached to said elastic material.
 14. The improved kit of claim 13 wherein each said flat, flexible circular member has a decorative layer that is distinct from the other flexible circular members.
 15. The improved kit of claim 13 wherein each said flat, flexible circular member has a decorative layer that is a different color. 